Tampon applicator assembly conditioning method and apparatus



Feb. 2, 1954 J. M. GRAEF ETAL 2,667,666

TAMPON APPLICATDR ASSEMBLY CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS 8Sheets-Sheet l Filed May l5, 1949 J. M. @RAI-:F ETA. 2,667,666 TAMPONAPPLICATOR ASSEMBLY CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS Feb, 2, 954

Filed May 15, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 frzvwz" 5: 72 M Graef nef J'15E/'wood'. Reza/2021275 625e@ @M Mm @L5/Ts J. M. GRAEF ET AL TAMPONAPPLICATOR ASSEMBLY CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS Feb. 2, 1954 8Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 13, 1949 QNN NN 3| DIGI w IGI l Feb. 2, 1954 J.M. GRAEF E1' AL 2,667,666

TAMPON APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May13, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 @MAW @n/@M @i NNN Feb., 2, i954 J. M. GRAEF ETA1. 2,667,666

TAMPON APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS 8Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May l5, 1949 nur Feb. 2, 954

Filed May l5, 1949 J. M. GRAEF ET AL TAMPON APPLICATOR ASSEMBLYCONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Feb. 2, E954 J. M.GRAl-:F Erm. 2,667,666

TAMPON APPLICTOR ASSEMBLY CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS Filed May13, 1949 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 @y @MMM @a Feb. 2, i954 J. M. GRAEF l-:TAL2,667,666

TAMPON APPLICATOR ASSEMBLY CONDITIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS 8Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed May l5, 1949 3 y J y Patented Feb. 2, 1954 TAMPONAPPLICATOR ASSEMBLY CONDI- TIONING METHOD AND APPARATUS John M. Graefand Kenneth J. Harwood, Neenah,

and Reinhardt N. Sabeep Appleton, Wis., assignors to InternationalCellucotton Products Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Dela- WareApplication May 13, 1949, Serial No. 93,044

12 Claims. 1

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for softening an endportion of a catamenial tampon which projects from an end of a tamponapplicator structure, and to a method and apparatus for accuratelypositioning the tampon in the applicator, positioning the components ofthe applicator in proper relation to each other, and releasably lockingthe applicator parts in their properly assembled relationship.

The tampons which are treated by the method and apparatus of thisapplication comprise a more or less cylindrical, elongated plug ofabsorbent material, and the applicator structure comprises a pair ofpaper tubes, one of which is telescoped into the other and is adapted tobe pushed forward therein for ejecting the tampon which is seated in aportion of said other tube.

It is desirable that an end portion of the tampon project slightly fromthe front end of the applicator structure and that such projectingportion be spread or mushroomed so as to overlie the end of theapplicator tube. In certain manufacturing procedures, the tampons aremade of substantially cylindrical form so that they lack a headed endwhich can overlie the applicator end and, in other procedures of tamponmanufacture, tampons are initially formed with end heads but by the timethe tampons are assembled with the applicator tube they may not alwaysmaintain suicient spread to satisfactorily overlie the applicator tubeend.

One of the important objects of the present invention is to provide amethod and apparatus for eiecting softening and spreading of an endportion of a tampon which projects from an applicator tube so that inthe nished product a soft, down-like end will project from theapplicator tube end to adequately cover such end.

Another important object of the invention is to provide means forautomatically adjusting the position of the telescopically fitting tubeelements relative to each other and the position of the tampon in one ofsaid tube elements so as to provide the desired amount of tamponprojection from the applicator tube.

Still another important object of the invention is to provide a methodand apparatus for forming a releasable lock in the applicator structureto retain the applicator tubes in their properly 'adjusted relationshipto each other.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a method and apparatus ofthe character indicated, which will speedily and effectively perform itsindicated operations; to provide such mechanism which will operateautomatically Without the attention of an operator, and other objectsand advantages of the invention will be understood by reference to thefollowing specication and accompanying drawings (8 sheets) in whichthere is illustrated a selected embodiment of apparatus for carrying outthe method and performing the said operations on a tampon and tamponapplicator structure.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan;

Fig. 2 is an end elevation of the lower end of the structure as viewedin Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the left-hand side of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the upper end of the mechanism as viewedin Fig. 1 and the lefthand side of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a section on a plane approximately represented by the line 5 5on Figs. 1 and 3;

Fig. 6 is a section on a plane approximately represented by the line 6-6on Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 7;

Fig. 7 is a plan section on the plane approximately represented by theline 'l-'I of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a vertical section on the plane represented approximately bythe line 8-8 on Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 9 is a section on the line 9 9 of Fig.k7 but on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 10 is an end elevation of an element appearing in section in Fig.9, and

Fig. 11 is a perspective illustration of a tampon and applicatorstructure as it appears after it has been conditioned by the apparatusherein shown. y

The tampon and applicator structure shown in Fig. 11 comprises agenerally cylindrical, elongated tampon body l which is seated in atubular applicator member 2 which is usuallymade of paper. A front endportion 3 of the tampon I projects from the front end of the applicatortube 2 and is slightly enlarged so as to extend side- Wise over the endof the applicator tube 2." An ejector tube 4 has an end portiontelescoped into the rear end portion of the applicator tube 2, the frontor inner end of the ejector tube being seated against the rear end ofthe tampon as indicated. The tampon is provided with a withdrawal cordla which may be in the form of an extension of a jacket or wrapperenclosing the tampon, as herein shown, or in the form of separate stringor cord tied or otherwise attached to the tampon body.

The tube 4 is a fairly free but frictionally sliding nt in the tube 2.In order to insure retention of the tube 4 in the-tube 2, a lock isprovided as indicated at 5, this lock consisting of a pair of triangularears simultaneously punched into the tubes as shown in somewhat greaterdetail inFig. 8.

The yspecific .details of the structure of the tampon and the applicatortubes are not important in connection with the present invention and theforegoing described general arrangement typies the general class oftampons and applicator structures which are conditioned by the methodand apparatus about to be described. Such tampon and applicator`structures are delivered to the apparatus in assembled relationgenerally closely approximating the final assembled relation asrepresented in Fig. 1l.,V but not necessarily in the exact relationdesired and lacking the locking feature indicated at 5.

The apparatus about to be described adjusts the tampon inwardly oroutwardly of the tube 2 as may be required to obtain the desiredrelationship, and it also adjusts the ejector tube 4 relative to theouter tube 2, forms the lock 5 and effects softening and spreading ofthe projecting end portion 3 of the tampon.

The tampon carrying applicator structure are delivered in theirinitially but possibly inac curately assembled relationship through adelivery chute 6 (Figs. 2 and 5) which is arranged to cause the tubes toroll by gravity in side by side relationship to the receiving point ofthe apparatus.

By reference to Figs. 1, .5 and 6, it will be seen that the articles tobe conditioned are deposited by gravity on arcuate end portions 'I of apair of strap-like table members 8 and 9 Vwhich arc suitably supportedat their ends by attachment to cross members I9, I of a frame structure.The cross members I9 are supported by upstanding side frame members I I,l2 and I3 which extend upwardly from suitable base members I4, I4. Y

The articles to be conditioned are propelled over the lengths of thetable straps S and 9 by a conveyor structure, which comprises av pair ofconveyor chains i and I6 (see Figs. 5 and 6) which are supported bypairs of sprockets mounted on shafts I'I and I8 which are suitablyjournaled in the side framesV I2 and I3. The conveyorl chains I5 and I6are interconnected by a plurality of cross bars `I9 at regularly7Vspaced intervals and these cross bars are each provided with means forengaging and propelling the articles over the table straps 8 and 9. Inthis instance, the cross bars I9 are each provided with three pins whichare operative to engage and propel the articles as aforesaid. Theoutermost pins 20 are disposed so as to travel along a path adjacent theouter side edges of the table straps 18 and 9 and the intermediate Vpin20 travels along a path between the adjacent edges of the said tablestraps. As indicated, the pins 20 are rigid with the respective crossbarsV I9V and each cross bar is secured to a link of each chain I5 andI6 so that the chains and their article-propellmg pins may flex aroundthe sprockets as shown in Fig. 5.

The conveyors are driven step by step through the agency of a Genevamovement which is associated with one end of the shaft I'I which isprojected through the side frame member I3 (see Figs. 2 and 8).

The Geneva drive movement comprises a radially slotted driven member 2Iand the usual holding disc 22, these members being integrally unitedthrough a hub 23. The driven member is rotatably mounted on the hub 24of a flange or disc 25 which is xedly secured to the conveyor driveshaft I'I by suitable means such as a set screw 25. y

The driven member 2i is adjustably secured to the flange or disc 25through the agency of a series of bolts 21 (Fig. 2) which are carried bythe slotted disc 2I and extend through suitably arched solts, such asthe slot 28 (Fig. 2) which permits a ldesirable amount of relativerotary adjustment between the driven member 2I and the mounting member25. The driven member 2I is actuated by the usual crank pin or driver 29carried by a shaft 35i which is rotatably journaled in the side framesII, I2 and I3. Said shaft 3G also carries Ythe usual element 3l forcooperating with the locking disc 22 to hold the driven shaft I7 againstrotation during the rest periods of the driven structure.

The driving element 29 of the Geneva motion is continuously driven bymeans of a gear 32 (Fig. 4) which meshes with another gear 35 that issecured to a shaft 36 which is journaled in the side frame members 1Iand I2 (see Fig. 6). The shaft 36 also `carries La worm wheel gear 31which meshes with a worm gear 39 on a longitudinal shaft 39 (see Figs. 1and 4) which `shaft is suitably journaled in brackets 4U and 4I whichare secured to and extend laterally vfrom the side frame member I I. Theshaft 39 is extended beyond the supporting bracket 4I vand is providedwith a gear 42 and this gear i2 meshes with a driving pinion 43 onanother shaft 44 which is also journaled in the said brackets 40 and 4I.The shaft 44 is driven by being connected to a suitable source of power,a drive being shown in this instance as comprising a driving pulley 45and a belt 46. It will be seen that through the described gearconnections, the driving shaft 30 of the Geneva motion is continuouslyrotated and that through the Geneva motion the conveyor vstructure willbe advanced step by step.

By reference to Fig. 5, it will be seen that the pins 2B of the conveyorstructure will be operative to pick up the lowerinost article in thedelivery chute y6 so as to withdraw the article from the chute and toadvance it step Vby step over the surfaces of the table straps 8 and 9.The table strap 9 has two surface portions 8a and 9b at different levelsseparated by a vertical shoulder 9c (see Figs. 6 and 7). The surfaceportion 9a is in the same plane as the top surface of the table member 8and cooperates therewith to support the outer tube portions 2 of thearticle being conditioned. The vdepth of the shoulder 9c isapproximately the same as the thickness of the paper material of whichthe tubes 2 are formed so that the relatively elevated surface portion9b of the table member 9 will support the ejector tubes 4 of thearticle. The shoulder 9c is formed with a receiving portion 9d (Fig. 7)which is outwardly offset relative to the remainder of said shoulder,said receiving portion 9d being connected to the main portion of theshoulder by an angularly disposed portion ee.

IThis angularly disposed portion 9e of the shoulder constitutes a camwhich engages the adjacent ends of the successive tubes 2 to cam thesame forwardly into a predetermined desired relationship to the adjacentface of a side wall member 4l which extends upwardly from the framemember I2. A similar side wall member 48 extends upwardly from the framemember I3 and cooperates with the member 41,110 provide side guideswhich deiine a path of travel for the articles. These side guides liland 48 are preferably made of material having very smooth faces so as toavoid friction and abrasive action on the ends of the article. Strips ofsynthetic glasslike material (such as Lucite) are very satisfactory forthe purpose of these side guides although other materials may beemployed.

As shown in Fig. 7, the cam portion @e of the shoulder' Sc acts to movethe tampon structure toward the side plate lli. This serves to bring thetampon structure into operating position within relatively narrowconiines while permitting the tampon to be delivered by the chute withinrelatively Wider limits.

In the nrst operating station indicated at A in Fig. '7, the inner tubeelement l may be pressed into the outer tube 2 to preliminarily adjustthe tube i relative to the tube 2. In some instances, the tube i may notactually be moved relative to the tube 2, i. e. where the position orthe tube in the tube 2 is initially satisfactory or when the tube fi isinitially too far into the tube 2. The tube adjusting means in thisstation A comprises a plunger @i9 which is mounted for horizontalreciprocation through a sufficiently long path of travel to insure thatthe tube i will be inserted into the tube 2 at least the requireddistance. Engagement of the end or head portion 3 of the tampon with theside guide di and seating of the end of the tube 2 against said portionof the tampon serves to prevent endwise movement of the tube 2 underendvvise directed forces transmitted thereto by the ejector tube s whenthe latter is adjusted inwardly by the action of the 1.

plunger 49. This plunger lie serves also to move the entire tampon andapplicator assembly toward the side guide i? in the event that theshoulder 9e has failed to do so. Such endwise movement of the entireassembly will occur when possible, because of the low friction betweenthe tampon applicator structure and the table elements 3 and Si andcertain overlying hold-down members which will hereafter be explained,as compared with a higher degree of friction between the interengagingsurfaces of the telescoped tubes.

The plunger i9 is carried by a cross head 5B which is secured to a pairof cross rods 5i and 52 which are slidably mounted in the side frames i2and I3. Outwardly of the side frame i2, the slide rods 5i and 52 arerigidly interconnected by a cross head 5S (see also Figs. 4 and 6). Thecross head $3 is provided with a laterally extending lug Sli whichcarries a depending roller 55 and this roller rides in a cam groove ortrack 5S in a cam wheel 5l which is secured to the shaft 35. The shaft3S is continuously driven as already explained, and it will be seen thatthe cam member el will act through the roller 55 to reciprocate theslide rods 5i and 52 with a regular uniform, in and out motion which isdetermined by the formation of the cam track 55. The speed of therotation of the shaft Sii and cam 5'? and the shape of the cam track 5Sare such that the slide rods 5i and 52 are given one completereciprocation (baci: and forth) for each step of movement of theconveyor structure. Hence, each tampon struciure which reaches theposition A. (Fig. 7) will be subjected to the action of the plunger 49.

In theinext station B, a plunger 58 acts against the adjacent endportion 3 of the tampon to push the tampon inwardly of the holder tube2, the tube being held against endwise movement under the force of theplunger 58 by engagement with the shoulder 9c. The plunger 58 is ofrelatively small diameter as compared with the diameter of the tamponand it acts against substantially a central portion of the tampon sothat the tampon may readily be compressed and inserted into the tube 2in the event that it is delivered to the station B in a condition ofexcess projection from the tube.

The plunger 58 is slidably mounted in the cross head 53 and is providedat its outer end with collar $3 having an endwise extending ear dii.This ear 69 is pivo'ted to one end of a rock lever i which has its otherend pivoted to one end of a link 62 which is pivotally anchored asindicated at '53, to the lug 54. The rock lever 6i is pivoted asindicated at 6i., intermediate its ends for rocking movement. The pivotmounting Se for the rock lever may consist of a pin extendingtransversely through the lever 6| and a bracket projecting from the sideframe I I and provided with slotted arms as indicated, for receiving theends of the pin. From an inspection of Fig. 6, it will be seen that whenthe slide rods 5i and di. and the cross head 53 are moved to the left,the roel: lever 6i will be rocked so as to thrust the plunger 5Binwardly so as to press the tampon into the tube 2 and that when theslide rods 5i are moved to the right, the plunger pin 58 will beretracted or withdrawn.

When the tampon structure is delivered into the position C, it is thenlocated between a plunger 65 carried by the reciprocating head 5t and aplunger pin 52.3 carried by the other reciprocating cross head 53. Inthe position C, the side guide 41 is provided with a recess Si having afunnel-like entrance portion 68 and a stop shoulder B9 which is adaptedto be engaged by the adjacent end of the tampon tube 2. Move ment of theplunger 65 toward the side guide 4i serves to press the tampon structureinto the recess el, the funnel portion t8 serving to more or lesscompress and thereby perfect the shape of the projecting end portion ofthe tampon, the shoulder 69 serving to limit movement of the tube 2while the end of the tampon is permitted to abut the bottom of therecess El. constitutes also a step in which the extent of pron jectionof the tampon end portion 3 from the tube '2 is subjected to adjustment.Inasmueh as the plunger 65 acts through the ejector tube e, it will beseen that the tube 4' will normally be urged into the tube 2 until thefront end of the tube 4 seats against the adjacent end of the tamponbody as shown.

Upon return movement of the plunger Se, the oppositely disposed plunger55 will eject the tampon end portion from the recess di so as to freethe tampon structure for continuation of its lateral movement betweenthe side guides di' and 48.

During the operations of the plungers se, 53, e5 and 66, and duringother operations which will presently be explained, the tamponstructures are held down against the supporting straps and e by means ofoverlying straps or bars 'iii and 1i. These members 'it and 'il aresupported by the side frames i2 and i3 by suitable supporting brackets'I2 and 'i3 as will be understood by reference to Figs. l, 3 and 5.These hold-down members 10 and 1| may also advantageously be formed ofsmooth surfaced, transparent material such as glass or, preferably,transparent synthetic material (such as Lucite). The hold-down member'Il is arranged to have its inner edge in vertical alignment with theshoulder 9c so as to cooperate 7 with the latten. as fbestjshowninfFig.; .8, positioning the applicator tube 2.

The plungers which reciprocate through suitable openings in the sidemembers 41 and li do not necessarily bear on the walls formed by theopenings through which said plungers reciprocate. They are preferably afree sliding t in said openings.

IThe plungers 49, 58 and S5 and the shoulders .fic and te function asexplained, to adjust the elements oi the tampon and applicator structureinwardly and outwardly relative to each other to insure theirpositioning in the desired relationship.

After the station C there are two idle stations and then a station D inwhich the projecting end portion 3 of the tampon is subjected to ariufng operation which softens said end portion. This softening iseiiected by means of a pricking or chopping device which issimultaneously rotated and reciprocated. Said device comprises a more orless cylindrical head 'ill (Figs. l and 9) which is rotatably mounted ona shaft which projects from a carrier 15. The cylindrical head 1d isrotated on the shaft 15 by means of a belt 'i1 which extends around saidhead M and around a pulley Ei which is mounted on a shaft 19. The shaft79 is journaled in suitable bearing brackets which are mounted on theside frames H and |2.

The shaft 19 is driven at fairly high'speed from the continuously drivenshaft 3Q through the agency of a driving belt 8| and pulleys e2 .and onthe shafts and 19 respectively (Fig. 4:).

The cylindrical head 14 is provided with a series of sharp pins or teethte projecting endwise therefrom, said teeth being adapted to be driveninto the tampon end portion 3 to thereby separate the fibers so as toeffect the desired softening and ulng. Such softening is especiallydesired around the outer edges of the tampon end portion and for thatreason the teeth s4 are formed in an annular arrangement which resultsfrom counter-boring of the head as best shown in Figs. 9 and 10. inthose gures, the counter-bore S5 is eccentrically rated to the axis ofthe head "E4 so 'that the teeth at one side are slightly wider than atthe other. inasmuch as the softenfor ing member 16 is rotated, it willbe apparent that this widening of some oi the teeth will result in amore or less gradual change in the softness of the tampon end portionfrom the center of the tampon end towards its outer edges.

The softening head 14 is supported for reciprocation by the carrier 16,the latter being pivoted on the upper ends of a pair of parallel linksRe and 81 (Fig. 3), the lower ends of which are pivoted on a bracket 88which is secured to the frame structure. The parallel links 86 and 81are relatively offset laterally as will be understood by reference toFig. 4, the upper end oi the link 8% having an oiset portion connectedto the carrier 16 in alignment with the upper end portion of the link81. For reciprocating the carrier 15, there is provided a rock lever itwhich has its upper end pivoted as indicated at 3S, to the carrier 16and its lower end pivoted as indicated at 9|), to a link or connectingrod 9i which has its other end connected to a crank pin 92. The crankpin 92 is carried by a disc 93 secured to an end of the constantlydriven shaft 41| (see Figs. 1 and 4). i

The rock lever 88 has a oating intermediate Also, as shown ,i

pivot B4 carried by a short link 95 which has its other end anchored asshown 'at 96, on another link 91. The link 91 is adjustably supported atits lower end on a pin, as indicated a-t 93, in a lug or boss projectingfrom the side frame H, means such as a 'set screw being provided to lockthe link 91 in selected position of adjustment on said pin 98. Thisoating pivot arrangement for the rock arm 83 avoids the need for anyloose connection between the reciprocating parts which would be somewhatobjectionable in a structure of this type when operated at high speedsas designs for the purposes of this mechanism.

The softening head 14 is constantly rotated and constantly reciprocatedso that during the progress of a tampon structure from station C to thesoftening station D and in its subsequent progress from said station Dsubstantially the entire face of the tampon end will be subjected to theaction of the softening head.V By its in and out chopping or prickingaction, the bers of the tampon material will be more or less separatedfrom each other and the end portion of the tampon will be spreadoutwardly or mushroomed so as to produce an end portion which is soft ascompared with the main body of the tampon. Also because of the wideningof some of the teeth, the softness will be somewhat amplified towardsthe periphery of the tampon end and gradually less towards the centerthereof. It will, of course, be understood that the peripheral portionof the tampon end 3 is mainly acted upon by the softener 14 during therest period of the tampon unit in sta-tion D. However, as alreadyindicated, owing to the movement of the tampon unit into and out ci thestation D, substantially the entire area of the tampon will be actedupon.

During the opera-tion of the softening head 111, the tampon is heldagainst endwise displacement by its seating on the inner end of the tubefl and by engagement of the tube Il at its outer end with a shoulderportion or raised seat 99 formed on the side member 48.

From the Station D, the article is propelled to a station E. In thatstation the lock 5 is formed. Preliminary to punching of the lock 5, apresser (Figs. l, 3 and '7) is moved inwardly into engagement with thenow softened head 3 of the tampon. This presser Idil does not exertcompacting force on the tampon head but iiattens or smooths its end andat the same time presses the applicator member 2 endwise until itsopposite end seats against the shoulder 9c as shown in Fig. 7. Thisserves to accurately position the tampon applicator structure for thepurpose of the mechanism which forms the lock 5.

The presser head |00 is carried by a shaft lill which is slidablymounted in suitable bearing brackets carried by the side frames l! andI2. The shaft lill has a squared portion i632 intermediate its endswhich is connected by a pivot pin |03 to one end of a rock lever |04which is pivoted intermediate its ends as indicated at |05, on a bracket|06 which is supported by the previously mentioned bracket 80. The otherend of the rock lever M35 is pivoted as shown at Q1, to a link |138which is pivoted to a portion oi the reciprocating bracket 53. Incidentto reciprocation of the bracket 53 the rock lever m5 will be rockedabout its pivot |05 and the presser head Hl!) will be 'reciprocatedtoward and from the tampon to eifect the above-mentioned operations.

The lock 5 is produced by means of a punch |09 of substantiallytriangular form with a sharpened bevel end |10 which is operative to cutand press inwardly triangular ears, as indicated in Figs. 7 and 11.These ears are out out of both the outer and inner tubes 2 and 4, oneover the other, since in the zone of operation of said punch, a portionof the tube 4 is located within the tube 2. The triangular ears punchedinwardly by the punch are offset inwardly to such an extent that the earformed from the outer tube 2 projects through the hole left in the innertube portion by the ear pressed therefrom; hence, the inner tube will belocked against rearward displacement from the outer tube. Nevertheless,because the ears are readily returnable to their normal positions in thetubes, they do not offer significant resistance to forward movement ofthe inner tubes 4 into the outer tubes to eject the tampons.

The punch |09 is suitably secured in the free end of an arm of a bellcrank which is pivotally mounted for rocking movement, as indicated atH2 in a bracket H3. 'I'he bracket H3 is mounted on the side frame I3through the agency of another bracket H4 which is of more or less angleform in cross section and elongated to extend over most of the length ofthe side frame I3. This bracket H4 is provided with a pair of upwardlyextending arms H5 which pivotally support between them a uid pressurecylinder H6. The cylinder H5 contains a piston H1 and a piston rod H8which are slidable axially of the cylinder, the outer end of the pistonrod i8 being connected as indicated at H9 to the free end of the otherarm of the last-mentioned bell crank.

Fluid pressure admitted through the inlet pipe I2| of the cylinder H6serves to urge the piston outwardly, thereby to rock the bell crank andpress the punch I 09 into the applicator structure thereunder in stationE of the apparatus. A coil spring |22 disposed in the cylinder betweenthe piston H1 and the outer end of the cylinder serves to retract thepiston and the punch when the iiuid pressure in the cylinder isrelieved.

Fluid pressure to the cylinder H6 is controlled by a valve |23 (Fig. 2)which is fixedly mounted on a bracket |24 which is attached to the framemembers H and 2 (see also Fig. 1). The valve |23 is in the form of acylinder having a piston |25 movable therein from a position in which itestablishes communication between ports to which pipes |26 and |21 areconnected, or between ports to which the pipes |26 and |28 areconnected. The pipe |28 represents the inlet pipe which communicateswith a source ofV fluid pressure and the pipe |21 is an outlet or returnpipe through which pressure fluid is relieved from the cylinder H6. Whenthe piston |25 is in the position illustrated in dotted lines in Fig. 2,the pipes |26 and |21 are in communication, thereby relieving pressurefrom the cylinder I I6. When the piston |25 is moved to the left, theport to the relief pipe |21 is closed and connection is made between thepressure supply pipe |28 and the pipe I 26 to deliver uid under pressureto said cylinder H6 to thereby rock the punch in lock forming direction.

The valve piston I 25 has a piston rod 29 which extends from the valvecylinder and is provided at its free end with Va roller |30 which isnormally held in engagement with the roller |3| that is mounted on anarm I 32 pivoted at its lower end in a suitable bracket provided forthat purpose. The roller |3| rides against a peripheral cam formation|33 on one end of the cam disc 51 (see Fig. 1). Rocking movementimparted to the roller I3| by the cam |33 is transmitted to the valvepiston or core |25 to adjust the fluid pressure connections as requiredfor the properly timed operation of the punch. A spring |34 in the valvecylinder |25 serves to normally bias the valve piston in a direction tomaintain the roller IBI) in engagement with the roll I3| and the latterin engagement with the cam |33.

From the station E, the processed tampon and applicator are dischargedto a suitable receptacle or conveyor by which the tampon structure isremoved and carried to stations for wrapping or other treatment as maybe desired.

The described structure operates continuously and automatically withoutattention from an operator or, at least, with a minimum of watching, andits various operating parts are of simple and durable construction.Hence, the mechanism is operative continuously without lost time becauseof breakdowns or failures. Nevertheless, the mechanism performsrelatively delicate operations on materials which are readily subject todamage if improperly handled.

Various changes in the described structure may be made Without departingfrom the principles of the described apparatus and its method ofoperation.

We claim:

l. The method of conditioning a tampon structure which embodies a tamponpartially telescoped into one end portion of an applicator tube and anejector tube which is partially telescoped into the other end portion ofthe applicator tube, comprising the steps of propelling a tampon andapplicator structure as aforesaid, laterally, step by step, in oneposition of rest of the structure applying pressure to the exposed endof the tampon while holding the applicator tube against endwise movementin the direction in which said pressure is applied to the tampon, and ina succeeding position of rest applying pressure to the exposed end ofthe ejector tube to urge the ejector tube to move inwardly of saidapplicator tube and the other end of said ejector tube into engagementwith the tampon portion within the applicator tube while also holdingsaid applicator tube against endwise movement in the direction in whichsaid last mentioned pressure is applied.

2. The method of conditioning a tampon structure which embodies a tamponpartially telescoped into one end portion of an applicator tube and anejector tube which is partially telescoped into the other end portion ofthe applicator tube, comprising the steps of propelling a tampon andapplicator structure as aforesaid, laterally, step by step, in oneposition of rest of the structure applying pressure to the exposed endof the tampon while holding the applicator tube against endwise movementin the direction in which said pressure is applied to the tampon, in asucceeding position of rest applying pressure to the exposed end of theejector tube to urge the ejector tube to move inwardly of saidapplicator tube and the other end of said ejector tube into engagementwith the tampon portion within the applicator tube while also holdingsaid applicator tube against endwise movement in the direction in whichsaid last mentioned pressure is applied, and then, in another positionof rest of the tampon structure, working the exposed end portion of thetampon to soften the same.

3. The method of conditioning a tampon structure which embodies a tamponpartially telescoped into one end portion of an applicator tube and anejector tube which is partially telescoped into the otherV end portionof the applicator tube, comprising the Steps of propelling a tampon andapplicator structure as aforesaid, laterally, step by step, and, inpositions of rest of saidV structure, applying pressure to the exposedend of the tampon While holding the applicator tube against endwisemovement in the direction in Which said pressure is applied to thetampon, applying pressure to the exposed end of the ejector tube to urgethe ejector tube to move inwardly of said applicator tube and the otherend of said ejector tube into engagement with the tampon portion withinthe applicator tube While also holding said applicator tube vagainstendvvise movement in the Adirection in which said last mentionedpressure is applied,

working the exposed end portion of the tampon to soften the same, andpunching registering locking tongues from the outer and inner tubesinwardly thereinto to resist separation of the inner tube from the outertube.

4. In apparatus for conditioning an article embodying a tampon seated inan end portion of an applicator tube and projecting from an end thereof,vand an ejector tube telescoped into the other end portion of saidapplicator tube and projecting therefrom, said apparatus comprisingmechanism for effecting movement of such an article along aypredetermined path of travel, means operative at one end of the articleto press said tampon into said applicator tube, means operative at theother end of said article to press said ejector into said applicatortube, and means for punching registering ears inwardly of saidapplicator and ejector elements to provide a lock for resistingwithdrawal of the ejector from said applicator, all of said means beingoperative on said article while in -said path of travel.

5. In apparatus for conditioning an article embodying a tampon seated inan end portion of an applicator tube and projecting from an end thereof,and an ejector tube telescoped into the other end portion of saidapplicator tube and projecting therefrom, said apparatus comprisingmechanism for effecting movement of such an article along apredetermined path of travel, means operative at one end of the articleto press said tampon into said applicator tube, means operative at theother end of said Varticle to Vpress said ejector into said applicatortube, and means acting on the projecting end portion oi the tampon tosoften and spread the same into overlying relation to the adjacent endof the applicator tube, all of said means being operative on saidarticle while in said path of travel.

6. In apparatus for conditioning an article embodying a tampon seated inan end portion of an applicator rtube and projecting from an endthereof, and an ejector tube telescoped into the other end portion ofsaid applicator tube and projecting therefrom, said apparatus comprisingmechanism for effecting movement of such an article along a-predetermined path of travel, means operative at one end or" thearticle to press said tampon into said applicator tube, means operativeat the other end of said article to :press said ejector into saidapplicator tube, means vacting on the projecting end portion of thetampon to soften and spread the same into overlying relation to theadjacent end of the applicator tube, means for pressing said softenedtampon end and operative to effect predetermined, longitudinalpositioning of said article, and means operative on said article when*so positioned for punching registering ear portions from the applicatorand 'ejector tubes to form a lock therefor substantially 'as described,all of said means being operative on said article -While in said path oftravel.

7. In apparatus for conditioning an article embodying a tampon seated inan end portion of an applicator tube and projecting from an end thereof,and an ejector tube telescoped into the other end portion of saidapplicator tube and projecting therefrom, said apparatus comprisingmeans for propelling said article transversely of its length, step bystep, guide members spaced from each other and extending in thedirection of travel of said article for maintaining said articles withina predetermined path of travel, one of said guide members being providedwith a shoulder which extends in the direction of travel of saidarticles and which engages the ejector receiving end of said applicatortube for positioning said applicator tube, said shoulder having anoffset end portion at the receiving end of the member and an angularlyextending intermediate portion joining said offset end portion lto saidtube lpositioning shoulder, said angularly extending shoulder portionconstituting a cam which is operative to move said applicator tubesendwise to align the ends of said tubes with said positioning shoulderas an incident to the travel of the tubes effected by said propellingmeans.

8. In apparatus for conditioning an article embodying a tampon seated inan end portion of an applicator tube and projecting from an end thereof,and an ejector tube telescop-ed into the other end portion of saidapplicator tube and projecting therefrom, said apparatus comprisingmeans for propelling said article laterally, step by step, guide membersspaced from each other te receive between them the transverse thicknessof said articles, one of said guides being provided with a shoulderextending in the direction of travel of said articles and adapted to beengaged by the ejector receiving end of said applicator tube forpositioning said applicator tube, reciprocating means operative in oneposition of rest of the article to engage the outer end of the ejectormember to eiect lengthwise movement of the article for positioning saidapplicator to -permit engagement of Vsaid applicator end with saidpositioning shoulder, means operative in another position of rest ofsaid article to engage the projecting tampon end portion so as to pressthe tampon inwardly of the applicator and the applicator against saidposition shoulder.

9. In apparatus for conditioning an article embodying a tampon seated inan end portion of an applicator tube and projecting from an end thereof,and an ejector tube telescoped into the other end portion of saidapplicator tube and projecting therefrom, said apparatus comprisingmeans for propelling said article laterally, step by step, guide membersspaced from each other to receive between them the transverse thicknessof said articles, one of said guides being provided With a shoulderextending in the direction of travel of said articles and adapted to beengaged by the ejector receiving end of said applicator tube forpositioning said applicator tube, reciprocating means operative in oneposition of rest of the article to engage the outer end of the ejectortube to effect length- Wise movement of the article for positioning saidapplicator tube to permit engagement of said ejector receiving end ofsaid applicator tube with said positioning shoulder, means operative inanother position of `rest of said article to engage the projectingtampon end portion so as to press the tampon inwardly of the applicatortube and the applicator tube against said positioning shoulder, meansoperable in another position of the applicator tube to engage the freeend of said ejector tube to effect endwise movement of the article inthe direction in Which said tampon end portion extends from theapplicator tube, and means having a formingreceptacle for receiving andshaping said projecting tampon end portion as an incident to said lastmentioned endwise movement of the article.

10. In apparatus for conditioning an article embodying a tampon seatedin an end portion of an applicator tube and projecting from an endthereof, and an ejector tube telescoped into the other end portion ofsaid applicator tube and projecting therefrom, said apparatus comprisingmeans for propelling said article laterally, step by step, guide membersspaced from each other to receive between them the transverse thicknessof said articles, one of said guides being provided with a shoulderextending in the direction of travel of said articles and adapted to beengaged by the ejector receiving end of said applicator tube forpositioning said applicator tube, reciprocating means operative in oneposition of rest of the article to engage the outer end of the ejectortube to eiect length- Wise movement of the article for positioning saidapplicator tube to permit engagement of said ejector receiving end ofsaid applicator tube with said positioning shoulder, means operative inanother position of rest of said article to engage the projecting tamponend portion so as to press the tampon inwardly of the applicator tubeand the applicator tube against said positioning shoulder, and meansoperable in another position of the applicator tube to engage the freeend of said ejector tube to effect endwise movement of the article inthe direction in which said tampon end portion extends from theapplicator tube, and means having a forming-receptacle for receiving andshaping said projecting tampon end portion as an incident to said lastmentioned endwise movement of the article, said receptacle means beingprovided with a shoulder adapted to be engaged by the adjacent end ofsaid applicator tube to limit endwise movement whereby said formingchamber is also operative to determine the extent to which said tamponprojects from said applicator tube.

11. Apparatus for conditioning elongated article assemblies, each ofwhich embodies an applicator tube, a tampon seated in one end portion ofsaid applicator tube with an end portion of said tampon accessibleadjacent one end of said applicator tube, and an ejector tube having aportion of its length telescoped into the other end portion of said-applicator tube, said apparatus comprising means for intermittentlypropelling said article assemblies transversely of their lengths, guidesextending in the direction of travel of said articles for maintainingthe same within a predetermined path of travel,

reciprocable plungers respectively disposed on opposite sides of saidpath of travel and adapted to act on the opposite ends of said articles,a rotating cam, and means operatively connecting said cam to saidplungers for effecting simultaneous reciprocation of the latter inopposite directions, said plungers being respectively operative toadjust said tampon and said ejector tube inwardly of said applicatortube to predetermined positions therein, means disposed adjacent to oneside of said path of travel in spaced relation to said plungers andadapted to act on the accessible end portions of said tampons to Workand thereby soften said end portions, and means for actuating saidWorking means, said plungers and said softening means being operative onsaid article assemblies While in said path of travel.

12. Apparatus for conditioning elongated article assemblies, each ofwhich embodies an applicator tube, a tampon seated in one end portion ofsaid applicator tube with an end portion of said tampon accessibleadjacent one end of said applicator tube, and an ejector tube having aportion of its length telescoped into the other end portion of saidapplicator tube, said apparatus comprising means for intermittentlypropelling said larticle assemblies transversely of their lengths,guides extending in the direction of travel of said articles formaintaining the same Within a predetermined path of travel, a pair ofreciprocable plungers disposed on opposite sides of said path of travelin alignment with each other and adapted to embrace one of saidarticles, said plungers being rigidly inter-connected for unitaryreciprocation, means for effecting such reciprocation of said plungers,and a tampon end shaping socket in alignment with said plungers forreceiving and shaping said projecting end portion of a tampon when thetampon is moved endwise in one direction by one of said plungers, theother of said plungers being operative within the area of said socket toeject said tampon end portion from said socket.

JOHN M. GRAEF. KENNETH J. HARWOOD. REINHARDT N. SABEE.

References Cited in the ille 0f this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 1,227,562 Alexander May 29, 1917 1,492,510 Escobales Apr. 29,1924 1,922,189 Angell Aug. 15, 1933 2,044,564 Carter June 16, 19362,180,273 Bayer Nov. 14, 1939 2,215,789 Harrison Sept. 24, 19402,235,217 Koch Mar. 18, 1941 2,263,302 Johnson Nov. 18, 1941 2,291,240Landeck et al. July 28, 1942 2,361,783 McLaughlin Oct. 31, 19442,440,806 Megow et al. May 4, 1948 2,445,742 Hoch July 20, 19482,446,345 Snow et al. Aug. 3, 1948 2,462,178 Ganz Feb. 22, 1949

